Virgin chairman quits after seven years

Virgin Australia's chairman Neil Chatfield will step down from his role once a replacement is found.

Virgin Australia's chairman Neil Chatfield is relinquishing his post after seven years.

Mr Chatfield joined the board in May 2006 and was appointed chairman in June the following year.

Virgin has faced a turbulent time during his time at the top, with its share price falling from $2.04 when he became chairman to 38.5 cents as of 11am AEDT on Tuesday.

Mr Chatfield said he wanted to be remembered for presiding over an expansion of the carrier.

"After seven years as chairman, having seen through the company's transformation to a diversified airline group under the leadership of CEO John Borghetti and the successful completion of the game change program strategy, I believe that now is a good time to transition to a new chairman," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Chatfield will stand for re-election at Virgin's annual general meeting in November to ensure the stability of the board while the search for a new chairman is underway.

He will step down from the Virgin Australia board once a suitable replacement has been found.

"I will remain chairman for as long as it takes to find a suitable replacement for the role and am committed to supporting the recruitment process," he said.

When Mr Chatfield became chairman, he was the chief financial officer of supply chain company Toll Holdings, which also held 63 per cent of Virgin.

It offloaded its shares in 2008.


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